Brut Rosé with Jessica Altieri

Brut Rosé Time of Year

2008 Gloria Ferrer Brut Rosé

Spring means the holidays are over, but who says you can’t find a reason to celebrate every single weekend with some great bubbly? When I say great I mean put on your high heels and dance great. This Brut Rosé won best of class in the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. So only your classiest heels will do!

Snapshot

Spanish winegrowing traditions abound at the Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards in Sonoma, Califor­nia. I would grab my overnight bag, lasso a few BFFs and head to their 335-acre estate for any springtime occasion. Why not get a head start on your tan, a quick introduction to sparkling-wine making, a peek at their vast caves, and then treat yourselves to one of the many bubbles they produce? These are wines of “earth and opulence.”

If you can’t spring a trip to sunny California, plunk down $45.00 for this shining pale salmon-hued Brut Rosé, to compliment brunch, a girls’ night out, or just lounging with friends in silk PJs.

Great Eats

A match made in heaven with fresh fruit, bright seafood dishes, oysters, grilled salmon and mussels. Or just simply sip it on its own on your front porch till the sun comes up.

The Unforgettable Kiss

Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards launched in 1986, the first sparkling wine house in California’s Sonoma Carneros region. They’ve amassed 125+ awards and medals over the years, so I was eager to taste their bubblies. Ferrer knows how to set the scene. The view from their patio is to die for, sun drenching the cas­cading hills and vineyards.

I can really only describe that afternoon as a flight of sparkling wines. And the 2008 Brut Rosé simply flew me to the moon. Filled with delicious strawberry and rose petal aromas, hints of toasty vanilla, cherry and raspberry notes on the palate, and a crisp finish with just the right amount of effervescence. With ev­ery sip, I loosened my jewelry, kicked off my shoes, and breathed in the elegance.

That elegance comes from one tough-as-nails year when Ferrer’s Vineyards had record frost damage, high heat and wind, followed by June drought. Stress produced this gold medal winner.

So I raise my gorgeous glass of Brut Rosé to all of you. Cheers! Salud! Santé! Drink up! Whatever tough seasons may come your way, it is just life kissing your glass.

Spring’s 10 Best Bets

On your way to a spring soireé and suddenly realized you forgot to pick up a bottle of wine? No worries! Stop at your local wine store and grab any of the wines listed below. Your host will think you’re a wine genius. (And he’ll be right!)